Community-based health preparedness for cyclones in Bangladesh

Bangladesh developed one of the world’s most comprehensive early warning and disaster-response systems, integrating community-based health preparedness into cyclone response. The Cyclone Preparedness Programme (CPP) mobilized over 76,000 volunteers, focusing on health outreach, risk communication, and rapid evacuation. Health facilities in coastal regions were strengthened through training, stockpiling, and communication systems, ensuring that essential services such as maternal and childcare continued during extreme weather events. The programme demonstrates how coordinated planning and local engagement can safeguard population health amid recurrent disasters. 

The programme’s success stemmed from its integrated design and community-centered implementation. Community health services were embedded within the evacuation process, enabling timely provision of clean water and mobile medical units in shelters. This multisectoral approach, involving local volunteers, government coordination, and real-time climate data, reduced post-cyclone diarrheal disease outbreaks by 40% compared to Cyclone Sidr (2007). By prioritising local engagement and seamless health-disaster integration, the intervention effectively mitigated mortality and morbidity in coastal districts like Khulna, Satkhira, and Barguna.

Replication should focus on the following: Prioritising community engagement such as training local volunteers to disseminate early warnings and deliver health services, ensuring cultural and linguistic relevance. Integrating climate and health data into a real-time monitoring system to enable rapid response, tailored to local climate risks. Establishing multisectoral coordination between health, disaster management, and local governments to pre-position medical teams and supplies. Investing in resilient infrastructure, such as mobile medical units and clean water systems, to maintain healthcare access during crises. Finally, securing sustainable financing and adapting the model to local vulnerabilities, ensuring equity by prioritizing marginalised groups.